Seed germination of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) as affected by physical priming techniques

Abstract

Seed priming has been reported to enhance growth of plants. To evaluate the effect of some physical seed priming materials (ultrasonic, gamma, beta and laser irradiation, magnetic field and hydro-priming) on seed germination and growth of sunflower a laboratory experiment was conducted at Islamic Azad University of Tabriz branch, using completely randomized design, with three replicates. The results revealed that the highest germination rate (8.03) was due to seed treatment by laser irradiation 10 min. Lowest germination rate belonged to beta irradiation treaments (1.76 day). Mean comparisons for germination percentage also revealed that seeds treated with magnetic field for 5 min. resulted in higher germination percentage of (86.33). Lowest germination percentages (11.67%) were observed for exposure of seeds to beta irradiation. Higest seedling vigor index was obtained when seeds primed with magnetic field for 5 min. and lowest from beta irradiation seed treatment. It may be concluded that Pot Marigold producers could improve seed germination percent by priming the seed with magnetic field and laser and gamma.